Natural-gas Explosion That Wrecked Home Is Under Investigation

DES PLAINES — Officials Monday were trying to determine what caused a natural-gas leak that led to an explosion that severely damaged a two-story home Saturday in the 3100 block of Patton Drive.

The sole occupant of the home, a 74-year-old woman, was not injured in the explosion, which occurred at about 10:30 a.m., officials said.

The woman's son urged her to leave shortly before the blast, said Des Plaines Fire Chief Tom Farinella.

No fire resulted from the blast and fire officials were still looking for the reason for ignition, he said Monday. Inspectors pronounced the home unfit for habitation, and officials from Northern Illinois Gas Co. were also investigating, he said.